PORO, CEBU – The contractor in the road widening project in Poro, Camotes Group of Islands denied cutting trees along the 13.43 kilometer provincial road widening project in the town.
Engineer Anjo Gonzalodo of Gonzalodo Construction and Development Corporation is the contractor in the Capitol-funded road widening project that will connect Poro to Tudela.
In a meeting convened by Gov. Gwen Garcia, Gonzalodo, Fr. Joel Bonza of the Sto. Niño Parish of Poro, engaged in a hearty discussion on Wednesday to clear reports circulating the alleged cutting of more than 700 trees in the ongoing road expansion. Fr. Bonza has led a signature campaign online and among local residents to save the trees from being cut.
However, in the same meeting, Gov. Garcia said there were untruths to the reports calling the online petition as “erroneous”.
“Namakak mo… I have studied it thoroughly, gone through the entire 13.4 kilometer stretch. Now, I can definitely say that the content of that letter, to put it kindly, erroneous,” the governor said.
Gonzalodo said they have not yet started cutting trees and have submitted applications to the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources for the cutting of trees emphasizing the indispensable requirement of obtaining cutting permits from the Environment and Natural Resources office prior to any such action.
During his presentation, Engr. Gonzalodo disclosed that a total of 743 trees line the 13.43-kilometer stretch earmarked for enhancement. However, he clarified that only trees posing imminent danger to motorists were identified for removal, aligning with safety protocols and Executive Order No. 180, S. 1948, which delineates the parameters for provincial road development, ensuring safer thoroughfares and fostering regional progress.
In a commitment to environmental stewardship, the contractor pledged to replant trees to compensate for any that may need to be displaced due to the widening project. With the road now boasting an expanded width of 10.10 meters, residents of Camotes can anticipate enhanced accessibility and safety measures, concurrently bolstering the region's developmental initiatives.
This clarification not only dispels the unfounded rumors but also underscores the collaborative efforts between stakeholders to uphold both infrastructural progress and environmental conservation in the region. | JT